Reversed kinetic system for shoe sole

ABSTRACT

A reversed kinetic system for a shoe sole includes a fluid chamber containing fluid and a fluid expansion chamber in fluid communication with the fluid chamber, wherein the fluid chamber and fluid expansion chamber are separated by an elastic spring including at least one valve providing fluid communication. Each valve preferably comprises an inlet bore through the elastic spring and a yieldable diaphragm having a valve bore, whereby foot pressure on the fluid chamber causes fluid to dissipate through the valve bore into the fluid expansion chamber, wherein the dissipation of fluid through the valve bore causes friction and absorbs energy. Removing the foot pressure creates a negative pressure gradient in the fluid expansion chamber causing the yieldable diaphragm to release and allowing fluid to flow back into the fluid chamber through the inlet bore.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part application claiming priority from co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 10/367,297, filed on Feb. 14, 2006, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a reversed kinetic system for a shoe sole.

BACKGROUND

Shoe soles having gas or gel chambers have been around for many years. These chambers are simple compression springs that suffer from the disadvantage of having no damping effect. Although compression springs are capable of delaying a force transfer, they still return any induced or loaded force without loss. In other words, compression springs have an elastic effect, but are incapable of absorbing energy.

Accordingly, there exists a need for a shoe sole having a damping system capable of absorbing energy.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention alleviates to a great extent the disadvantages of the known shoe soles by providing a shoe sole having a reversed kinetic system for absorbing shock energy generated during walking, running, jumping, etc. Shoes fitted with such a system provide superb shock absorption as well as excellent contact with the ground, similar to a foot in the sand.

One aspect of the present invention involves a reversed kinetic system for the sole of a shoe, including at least one energy absorber including a plurality of kinetic damping elements for absorbing shock energy, wherein the kinetic damping elements are adapted to rub against each other causing friction and absorbing shock energy.

Another aspect of the present invention involves a reversed kinetic system for the sole of a shoe, including at least one energy absorber including a plurality of kinetic damping elements for absorbing shock energy, wherein the kinetic damping elements are in the form of particles, granulates or globules, wherein the kinetic damping elements comprise solid masses, which act in an inelastic manner under pressure.

A further aspect of the present invention involves a reversed kinetic system for the sole of a shoe, including at least one energy absorber including a plurality of kinetic damping elements for absorbing shock energy, wherein one of the at least one energy absorbers is located in the heel of the sole and another of the at least one energy absorbers is located in a different area of the sole.

An additional aspect of the present invention involves a reversed kinetic system for the sole of a shoe, including at least one energy absorber including a plurality of kinetic damping elements for absorbing shock energy, wherein the at least one energy absorber is spherical, globular, ovular, cubic, polygonal, pyramidal, conical, cylindrical, symmetric or asymmetric.

Yet another aspect of the present invention involves a reversed kinetic system for the sole of a shoe, including at least one energy absorber including a plurality of kinetic damping elements for absorbing shock energy and at least one elastically deformable expansion chamber surrounding the at least one energy absorber.

Another aspect of the present invention involves a reversed kinetic system for the sole of a shoe, including at least one energy absorber including a plurality of kinetic damping elements for absorbing shock energy and at least one elastically deformable expansion chamber surrounding the at least one energy absorber, wherein the at least one elastically deformable expansion chamber comprises an airtight plastic casing filled with compressible matter. In another aspect, the elastically deformable expansion chamber provides both elastic and damping characteristics. In yet another aspect, the expansion chamber includes a plurality of subchambers, wherein at least one of the subchambers contains a plurality of kinetic damping elements, wherein at least one of the subchambers contains a gas or a foam.

Another aspect of the present invention involves a reversed kinetic system for the sole of a shoe, including at least one energy absorber including a plurality of kinetic damping elements for absorbing shock energy and at least one elastically deformable expansion chamber surrounding the at least one energy absorber, wherein the at least one energy absorber includes a top wall and a bottom wall, wherein the top and bottom walls are tapered for improved force distribution under pressure.

Yet another aspect of the present invention involves a reversed kinetic system for a shoe sole including a fluid chamber containing fluid and a fluid expansion chamber in fluid communication with the fluid chamber, wherein the fluid chamber and fluid expansion chamber are separated by an elastic spring including at least one valve providing fluid communication. Each valve may include an inlet bore through the elastic spring and a yieldable diaphragm having a valve bore, whereby foot pressure on the fluid chamber causes fluid to dissipate through the valve bore into the fluid expansion chamber, wherein the dissipation of fluid through the valve bore causes friction and absorbs energy. Removing the foot pressure creates a negative pressure gradient in the fluid expansion chamber causing the yieldable diaphragm to release and allowing fluid to flow back into the fluid chamber through the inlet bore.

A further aspect of the present invention involves a reversed kinetic system for a shoe sole including a fluid chamber, a fluid expansion chamber in fluid communication with the fluid chamber and an elastically deformable expansion chamber surrounding the fluid expansion chamber. The elastically deformable expansion chamber is preferably filled with gas and surrounded by an airtight plastic casing. According to some embodiments, the fluid chamber, fluid expansion chamber and elastically deformable expansion chamber are substantially cylindrical. Optionally, the elastically deformable expansion chamber includes a plurality of subchambers.

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be appreciated from review of the following detailed description of the invention, along with the accompanying figures in which like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The present invention is best understood from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawing. It is emphasized that, according to common practice, the various features of the drawing are not necessarily to scale. On the contrary, the dimensions of the various features are arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity. Like numerals denote like features throughout the specification and drawing.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an assembly in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an assembly in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an assembly in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an assembly in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an assembly in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an assembly in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an assembly in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an assembly in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an assembly in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an assembly in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an assembly in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an assembly in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an assembly in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an assembly in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an assembly in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an assembly in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following paragraphs, the present invention will be described in detail by way of example with reference to the attached drawings. Throughout this description, the preferred embodiment and examples shown should be considered as exemplars, rather than as limitations on the present invention. As used herein, the “present invention” refers to any one of the embodiments of the invention described herein, and any equivalents. Furthermore, reference to various feature(s) of the “present invention” throughout this document does not mean that all claimed embodiments or methods must include the referenced feature(s).

FIGS. 1-14 depict embodiments for a shoe sole having a reversed kinetic system, wherein energy absorption is achieve by the inelastic deformation of at least one energy absorber. In these embodiments, like elements have been numbered accordingly.

As seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, according to some embodiments, shoe sole 10 includes a reversed kinetic system 20 comprising an energy absorber 30, which is surrounded by a spring 40, a top wall 50 and a bottom wall 60. The energy absorber 30 includes a plurality of kinetic damping elements 70 in the form of particles, granules, granulates, globules, micro-granulates or the like. Each time a user takes a step onto the shoe sole 10, the damping elements 70 rub against each other causing friction. Unlike conventional air springs, the kinetic damping elements 70 actually absorb shock energy during use due to friction as they abrade against each other.

The kinetic damping elements 70 comprise solid masses that are structured to act in an inelastic manner under pressure. Instead of acting elastically, the damping elements 70 of the energy absorber 30 rub against each other causing friction and consuming energy. The effect is comparable to a foot stepping in sand, wherein thousands of sand particles abrade against each other, absorbing a substantial amount of the shock energy between the person's foot and the ground when walking. Similarly, according to the present invention, each time a user steps down on the shoe sole 10, energy is absorbed by the inelastic deformation of damping elements 70 against each other. In addition, each time a user steps down, spring 40 surrounding the energy absorber 30 is deformed elastically. After the step, the elastically deformed spring 40 returns itself (and the damping elements 70) to the approximate original configuration. In this manner, a fresh energy absorber 30 is provided for the user's next step. The degree of friction among the damping elements 70 as well as the elasticity of the spring 40 can be controlled by varying the thickness of the spring 40.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, according to some embodiments, there is a single energy absorber 30 containing a plurality of damping elements 70 embedded in the heel portion of sole 10. Although the energy absorber 30 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is substantially cylindrical, the energy absorber 30 may be any shape including, but not limited to, spherical, globular, ovular, cubic, polygonal, pyramidal, conical, cylindrical, symmetric and asymmetric. In addition, the cross-section of the energy absorber 30 taken in the plane of the shoe sole 10 may be circular, square, triangular. rectangular or any other shape.

According to some embodiments, the damping elements 70 that comprise the energy absorbs 30 are of varying shapes and sizes. According to other embodiments, the damping elements 70 are substantially identical in shape and size. The kinetic damping elements 70 may be any shape including, but not limited to, spherical, globular, ovular, cubic, polygonal, pyramidal, conical. cylindrical, symmetric and asymmetric. Suitable materials for the kinetic damping elements 70 include, but are not limited to, polyamide, rubber, ceramics, aluminum, metal oxide, glass, steel. duroplastics and thermoplastics. Suitable materials for the spring 40 and walls 50, 60 include, but are not limited to, rubber, thermoplastic rubber, ethylene vinyl acetate, silicon resin, elastic duromers. solid compound polymers, woven polymers and laminated polymers. As illustrated in the figures, spring 40 is advantageously formed of a material that is different than sole 10. Sole 10 may be formed of various suitable sole materials, including commonly used sole materials. In various exemplary embodiments, the material used for sole 10 will be a different material than the materials used for spring 40 and walls 50, 60.

As seen in FIG. 1, the energy absorber 30 comprises a cylindrical section of the shoe sole 10 corresponding to the location of a user's heel while wearing the shoe. Preferably, the damping elements 70, which make up the energy absorber 30, are strong, resistant to abrasion, silent and light. By varying the number size, material and surface finish of the damping elements 70, the coefficient of friction and, hence, the damping rate, can be controlled.

As seen in FIGS. 3 and 4 according to some embodiments, shoe sole 15 includes a reversed kinetic system 20 comprising an energy absorber 45, which is surrounded by a spring 55, a top wall 50 and a bottom wall 60, wherein the energy absorber 45 is a gas such as air. At the moment a user takes a step, the gas compresses and is released through at least one bi-directional valve 65 through spring 55. The movement of gas through the at least one valve 65 absorbs energy by producing friction and heat. The spring 55, which deforms elastically when a step is taken, substantially returns to its original configuration after the step, thereby creating a vacuum and causing the spring to refill with gas through the at least one bi-directional valve 65. As would be understood by those of skill in the art, the at least one bi-directional valve 65 may also be located in the top wall 50 and/or the bottom wall 60 without departing from the scope of the present invention.

As seen in FIGS. 5 and 6, according to other embodiments, shoe sole 100 includes a reversed kinetic system 110 employing a plurality of energy absorbers 30, 35, wherein each energy absorber 30, 35 comprises a plurality of kinetic damping elements 70 surrounded by a spring 40, top wall 50 and bottom wall 60. Energy absorber 30 is adapted to support the heel of a user. As best seen in FIG. 5, energy absorber 35 is adapted to support another part of the foot of a user corresponding to the ball joint of the big toe. As would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, the placement of the energy absorbers 30, 35 is not limited to the locations shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. Any number of energy absorbers may be placed at any number of positions within the shoe sole 10 without departing from the scope of the present invention. Preferably, the energy absorbers are placed where the foot experiences the greatest impact forces.

As seen in FIGS. 7 and 8, according to some embodiments, shoe sole 130 includes a reversed kinetic system 140 including both elastic and damping characteristics. The system 140 comprises an energy absorber 30 surrounded by a spring 40, a top wall 50 and a bottom wall 60. The system 140 further includes at least one elastically deformable expansion chamber 80 comprising an airtight plastic casing filled with compressible matter such as gas. The expansion chamber 80 surrounds the spring 40. Although the energy absorber 30 and expansion chamber 80 are depicted as substantially cylindrical, is should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the energy absorber 30 and expansion chamber 80 may be other shapes such as spherical, globular, ovular, cubic, polygonal, pyramidal, conical, cylindrical, symmetric or asymmetric, without departing from the scope of the present invention. A suitable material for the plastic casing of the expansion chamber 80 is polyurethane or other materials with similar characteristics.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, each time the user steps down on the sole 130 with a foot, energy is absorbed by the kinetic damping elements 70 and the material within expansion chamber 80 is compressed. As the user lifts his foot, the expansion chamber 80 decompresses returning itself and the energy absorber 30 to the original configuration and providing refreshed kinetic system 140 for the user's next step. The decompression of elastic expansion chamber 80 also transmits a substantial amount of energy and upward thrust to the user's heel as the foot is lifted. Thus, a shoe sole 130 comprising a reversed kinetic system 140 including both elastic and damping characteristics is provided.

As seen in FIGS. 7 and 8, according to some embodiments, the expansion chamber 80 consists of a single chamber surrounding the energy absorber 30. However, as seen in FIGS. 9 and 10, according to other embodiments, the expansion chamber 85 consists of a plurality of subchambers 95. A plurality of partition walls 105 separate the expansion chamber 85 into the subchambers 95.

As seen in FIG. 9, a shoe sole 135 includes an expansion chamber 145 comprising a plurality of subchambers 155 separated by partition walls 165 and containing gel or compressible matter such as a gas or foam. The pressure within some subchambers 155 and the elasticity of some partition walls 165 may be varied to achieve a shoe sole 135 having diverse elastic characteristics.

As seen in FIG. 10, shoe sole 175 includes an expansion chamber 185 comprising a plurality of subchambers 195, 205 separated by partition walls 215 and containing compressible matter such as gas or foam in some subchambers 195 and kinetic damping elements 70 in other subchambers 205. In this embodiment, the expansion chamber 185 provides both a damping effect and an elastic effect during use of the shoe.

As seen in FIGS. 11 and 12 according to other embodiments, shoe sole 150 includes a reversed kinetic system 160 comprising an energy absorber 30 surrounded by a spring 40, a top wall 170, a bottom wall 180 and an expansion chamber 80. As seen in FIG. 10, the top and bottom walls 170, 180 are tapered such that they are thicker towards the center of the energy absorber 30. The varied thickness of the top and bottom walls 170, 180 helps distribute the forces substantially evenly as pressure is applied to energy absorber 30.

As seen in FIGS. 13 and 14, according to further embodiments, a shoe sole 200 includes a reversed kinetic system 210 comprising an energy absorber 30 surrounded by a top wall 50 and a bottom wall 60. The system 210 further includes at least one expansion chamber 220 comprising an airtight plastic casing filled with an elastic foam. According to some embodiments, the expansion chamber 220 is a cylindrical chamber surrounding a cylindrical energy absorber 30. Depending upon the shape of the energy absorber 30, the expansion chamber 220 may be other shapes such as spherical, globular, ovular, cubic, polygonal, pyramidal, conical, cylindrical, symmetric or asymmetric.

As seen in FIGS. 15 and 16, according to additional embodiments, shoe sole 250 includes a reversed kinetic system 260 located in the heel portion of the sole 250 and comprising a fluid chamber 270 in fluid communication with a fluid expansion chamber 280. The fluid chamber 270 and fluid expansion chamber 280 are separated by a first elastic spring 300, which includes at least one valve 310 providing fluid communication between chambers 270, 280. Fluid expansion chamber 280 is surrounded by a second elastic spring 315. Similar to previous embodiments, reversed kinetic system 260 includes a top wall 320 and a bottom wall 330. Preferably, the elastic springs 300, 315, top wall 320 and bottom wall 330 are made from flexible materials such as rubber.

As best seen in FIG. 16, the at least one valve 310 comprises a large inlet bore 340 through elastic spring 300 and a yieldable diaphragm 350 attached to the first elastic spring 300. Only one end of the diaphragm 350 is attached to the elastic spring 300 such that the other end can release under pressure by bending away from the inlet bore 340 towards the center of the fluid chamber 270. The release of the diaphragm 350 allows fluid to flow into the fluid chamber 270 from the fluid expansion chamber 280. Each diaphragm includes a relatively small valve bore 360 dimensioned to dissipate fluid from the fluid chamber 270 into the fluid expansion chamber 280 when foot pressure is applied to the reversed kinetic system 260. The flow of fluid through the valve bore 360 provides damping by causing friction and consuming energy. Removing the foot pressure creates a negative pressure gradient in the fluid chamber 270, which overcomes the natural resiliency of the diaphragm 350 causing the diaphragm 350 to release and allowing fluid to flow back into fluid chamber 270 through the relatively large inlet bore 340 with little resistance. A suitable material for the yieldable diaphragm 350 is rubber though other suitable materials may be used in other exemplary embodiments.

In operation, every time a user steps down on the sole 250, the resulting pressure forces fluid through the valve bore 360 into the fluid expansion chamber 280 creating friction and absorbing energy. As the user lifts his foot, a negative pressure gradient is created in the fluid chamber 270 sufficient to overcome the yieldable diaphragm 350 such that the fluid flows back into the fluid chamber 270 via inlet bore 340, thus providing a refreshed kinetic system 260 for the user's next step. Preferably, the fluid stays fresh over long periods of time, does not dissipate through the fluid chambers and is chosen to be chemically compatible with the fluid chambers, i.e., it does not attack the fluid chambers chemically. The fluid may be any suitable fluid that has an appropriate viscosity for proper cushioning and shock absorption and does not harm the environment. The fluid viscosity is chosen to provide damping and optimum elastic timing when flowing in and out of the fluid chamber 270. Suitable fluids includes water, glycerin, glycol, any combination of these fluids, oily fluids such as silicone oil, low viscosity gels and any other fluids that meet these criterion.

The system 260 optionally includes an elastically deformable expansion chamber 370 surrounding the fluid expansion chamber 280 and including an airtight plastic casing 380 filled with compressible matter such as gas. Fluid chamber 270, fluid expansion chamber 280 and elastically deformable expansion chamber 370 are concentrically arranged. Each time the user steps down on the sole 250, the gas within expansion chamber 370 is compressed. As the user lifts his foot, the expansion chamber 360 decompresses, which helps return the expansion chamber 360 and the fluid chamber 270 to their original configurations. The decompression of expansion chamber 370 also transmits a substantial amount of energy and upward thrust to the user's heel as the foot is lifted. Expansion chamber 370 may optionally consist of a single chamber like the embodiment depicted in FIG. 5, or may alternatively consist of a plurality of chambers like the embodiment depicted in FIG. 7. In addition, the shoe sole 250 may further comprise an additional reversed kinetic system 260, such as located at other regions of the sole 250 including, but not limited to, a region within the sole 250 corresponding to the ball joint of the big toe of a user. As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the fluid chamber 270, fluid expansion chamber and elastically deformable expansion chamber 370 are substantially cylindrical. Of course, as would be appreciated by those skilled in the art, these elements may be other shapes such as spherical, globular, ovular, cubic, polygonal, pyramidal, conical, cylindrical, symmetric or asymmetric, without departing from the scope of the present invention. Suitable materials for the plastic casing 380 of the expansion chamber 370 include polyurethane and other materials with similar characteristics.

Thus, it is seen that a reversed kinetic system for a shoe sole is provided. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be practiced by other than the various embodiments and preferred embodiments, which are presented in this description for purposes of illustration and not of limitation, and the present invention is limited only by the claims that follow. It is noted that equivalents for the particular embodiments discussed in this description may practice the invention as well. 

1. A reversed kinetic system for a shoe sole, comprising: a fluid chamber containing fluid; and a fluid expansion chamber in fluid communication with the fluid chamber.
 2. The reversed kinetic system of claim 1, wherein the fluid chamber and fluid expansion chamber are separated by an elastic spring including a valve providing the fluid communication.
 3. The reversed kinetic system of claim 2, wherein the valve comprises an inlet bore through the elastic spring.
 4. The reversed kinetic system of claim 3, wherein the valve further comprises a yieldable diaphragm having a valve bore therethrough.
 5. The reversed kinetic system of claim 4, wherein foot pressure on the fluid chamber causes fluid to dissipate through the valve bore into the fluid expansion chamber and removing the foot pressure creates a negative pressure gradient in the fluid expansion chamber causing the yieldable diaphragm to release and allowing fluid to flow back into the fluid chamber through the inlet bore.
 6. The reversed kinetic system of claim 5, wherein the dissipation of fluid through the valve bore causes friction and absorbs energy.
 7. The reversed kinetic system of claim 1, wherein the fluid is chosen from a group consisting of water, glycerin, glycol and mixtures thereof.
 8. The reversed kinetic system of claim 1, further comprising an elastically deformable expansion chamber peripherally surrounding the fluid expansion chamber.
 9. The reversed kinetic system of claim 8, wherein the elastically deformable expansion chamber comprises an airtight plastic casing.
 10. The reversed kinetic system of claim 8, wherein the elastically deformable expansion chamber is filled with compressed gas.
 11. The reversed kinetic system of claim 8, wherein the fluid chamber is substantially cylindrical and the fluid expansion chamber and elastically deformable expansion chamber are concentrically arranged.
 12. The reversed kinetic system of claim 8, wherein the elastically deformable expansion chamber includes a plurality of subchambers.
 13. The reversed kinetic system of claim 8, wherein the elastically deformable expansion chamber is pyramidal in shape.
 14. The reversed kinetic system of claim 1, wherein the fluid comprises a silicone oil or a further oil.
 15. The reversed kinetic system of claim 1, wherein the fluid comprises a gel.
 16. A reversed kinetic system for a shoe sole, comprising: a cylindrical fluid chamber containing fluid; a fluid expansion chamber in fluid communication with the fluid chamber; and an elastically deformable expansion chamber surrounding the fluid expansion chamber.
 17. The reversed kinetic system of claim 16, wherein the fluid chamber and fluid expansion chamber are separated by an elastic spring that surrounds the fluid chamber, the elastic spring including a valve providing the fluid communication.
 18. A reversed kinetic system for a shoe sole, comprising: at least one energy absorber including a plurality of kinetic damping elements for absorbing shock energy; and at least one elastically deformable expansion chamber surrounding the at least one energy absorber.
 19. The reversed kinetic system of claim 18, wherein the at least one elastically deformable expansion chamber comprises an airtight plastic casing filled with compressible matter.
 20. The reversed kinetic system of claim 18, wherein the at least one energy absorber and the at least one elastically deformable expansion chamber are substantially cylindrical.
 21. The reversed kinetic system of claim 18, wherein the kinetic damping elements are in the form of particles, granulates or globules and are adapted to rub against each other causing friction and absorbing shock energy.
 22. The reversed kinetic system of claim 18, wherein the kinetic damping elements comprise solid masses, which act in an inelastic manner under pressure.
 23. The reversed kinetic system of claim 18, wherein one of the at least one energy absorbers is located in the heel of the shoe sole and another of the at least one energy absorbers is located in a different area of the shoe sole.
 24. The reversed kinetic system of claim 18, wherein the expansion chamber provides both elastic and damping characteristics.
 25. The reversed kinetic system of claim 18, wherein the expansion chamber includes a plurality of subchambers.
 26. The reversed kinetic system of claim 25, wherein at least one of the subchambers contains a plurality of kinetic damping elements.
 27. The reversed kinetic system of claim 25, wherein at least one of the subchambers contains a gas, gel or foam.
 28. The reversed kinetic system of claim 18, wherein the at least one energy absorber includes a top wall and a bottom wall that are each tapered for improved force distribution under pressure.
 29. A reversed kinetic system for a shoe sole, comprising: an energy absorber for absorbing shock energy; and a spring surrounding the energy absorber and including at least one bi-directional valve; wherein the energy absorber includes a gas adapted to move through the at least one bi-directional valve during use of the shoe.
 30. The reversed kinetic system of claim 29, wherein the spring is adapted to deform elastically when a user takes a step in the shoe, and further adapted to then return to its approximate original configuration. 